Unity: Bishop Kukah Encourages Use Of Anthem’s Second Stanza At Events

By Cecilia Ijuo

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah has urged Nigerians to stick to the use of second stanza of the National Anthem at events to further promote unity.

Bishop Matthew Kukah

The clergyman made the call while delivering an address at the two-day retreat organised by the Southern Senators’ Forum in Calabar on Saturday.

He said the use of Muslim or Christian prayers at events would only make Nigerians more aware of their differences.

“I am worried that we are increasingly making ourselves aware of our differences.

“This is further dividing us. I am always worried and I have had a lot of argument with people about the idea of Christian and Muslim prayer.

“If we continue at this level, one day there will be prayer for light skinned and not so light skinned people, short or tall people.

“I am Chairman of the Governing Council of Nasarawa State University and the only opening prayer we say in all our meeting is second stanza of the National Anthem which is as good a prayer as ever,’’ he said.

He urged Nigerians to continue to promote things that would further unite the nation than divide it.